Royal Lochnagar 5 Years Old

A distillery bottling of Royal Lochnagar, aged 5 year old and bottled at 43%. Established in 1845 in Crathie on Royal Deeside, Royal Lochnagar is Diageo's smallest distillery. John Begg invited his royal neighbours over, and the 1848 visit is claimed as the first ever distillery tour.

It was drawn off two small stills, the spirit cooled in cast iron worm tubs, for a rich, malty spirit with a fruity lift. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the malt and fruit lead. At this age the spirit is fresh and malty, the orchard fruit bright. The cool Deeside climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. The distillery sits at the foot of Lochnagar, the mountain that gives it its name. Water is drawn from springs in the Deeside hills above the River Dee. Two small stills and worm tubs build a weight unusual for a distillery this size. The malt long fed the John Begg and Johnnie Walker blends before its single malt fame.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with apple, malt and a gentle spice. The texture is full and rounded, the fruit lifted by toffee. The finish runs malty, spiced and rich. This is a robust, sherried Highland single malt.